Retail franchise ICA Sweden opts for Stora Enso eco-friendly flower trays for its products

SWEDEN – Retail franchise ICA Sweden is replacing traditional plastic trays for flowers with molded fiber trays from Stora Enso.

This switch isn’t just about aesthetics but significantly reducing carbon emissions. Stora Enso reports that replacing a polystyrene tray with a wood fiber tray can slash CO2 emissions by up to 81%.

As the first grocery chain in Sweden to embark on this transition, ICA Sweden is boldly stating its commitment to reducing plastic usage and promoting sustainable consumption practices.

George Ribeaus Beri, Stora Enso’s senior business development manager, highlights the advantages of the new wood fiber trays.

They are designed to withstand moist and wet environments. Interestingly, they become softer when exposed to water but quickly regain their strength when dried, allowing for reuse without compromising quality.

Manufactured in Sweden by Stora Enso, these molded fiber trays are hailed as a groundbreaking innovation in the industry.

They are plastic-free and free from PFAS, offering a sustainable alternative for packaging needs. What’s more, customers have reported reusing the trays up to five times without any degradation in quality.

These trays are produced using 100% green electricity and are composed of Nordic wood fiber sourced from sustainable forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Ribeaus Beri underscores the sustainability of wood fibers, noting that trees, the source of these fibers, capture CO2 during their growth and are harvested from responsibly managed forests.

Sandra Kjellin, shop floor manager for Flowers at ICA Sweden, is proud of the retailer’s proactive approach to sustainability.

She emphasizes that the transition to wood fiber trays will be gradual, starting with select potted plants and progressing to summer flowers, demonstrating a commitment to long-term environmental stewardship.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Norway, Mester Grønn, a prominent flower chain, partnered with Stora Enso last year to develop a plastic-free transportation tray for its plants.

The PureFiber™ Horti tray, made from formed fiber, is another innovative solution aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the floral industry. This aligns with the broader goal of minimizing environmental impact.

With Stora Enso leading the charge in sustainable packaging solutions and retailers like ICA Sweden and Mester Grønn actively embracing these changes, the floral industry is taking significant strides toward a greener future.

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